Chapter 535 - 535: Paving the Way for the Future!

I have added this story to my Patreon. You can support me and read the latest chapters there. It also fed and motivate me to write more chapters!

Patreon Link: Patreon.com/NineClouds69

--- Chapter 535 ---

After successfully transforming the standard limb bone into an external 'toe' Spirit Bone and leaving everyone stunned, Han Yuan proceeded to work on the remaining two Spirit Bones, transforming them into external types as well—a left pinky finger bone and a second toe bone.

As for why these limb bones morphed specifically into pinkies and toes, it came down to energy density: the essence within thousand-year bones was just insufficient to form a complete spine, a full hand, or a pair of wings.

Based on Han Yuan's meticulous calculations, a base Spirit Bone needed to be at least 50,000 years old and come from a Spirit Beast with a pure, ancient bloodline to be reshaped into a much more comprehensive, high-tier external bone.

To keep things structured, Han Yuan set a temporary grading scale for these Alter Spirit Bones.

Second-Grade: Toes, fingers, teeth, hair, and ears.

First-Grade: Eyes, complete hands, skins, and the spine.

Top-Grade: Wings, a third eye, tails, and spider legs—true external manifestations.

Sitting cross-legged on the mat, Han Yuan let out a long breath, opening his eyes under the tense, expectant gazes of the room. "I have finalized the theoretical framework and refining process for transforming ordinary Spirit Bones into Alter Spirit Bones."

"However, I still cannot guarantee zero loss of origin energy during the transformation process."

"Though, as long as the Spirit Master who absorbs an Alter Spirit Bone enters the Spirit Ascension Platform to nourish it, elevating a thousand-year Alter Spirit Bone into a ten-thousand-year bone is just a matter of time."

"As for pushing one to a hundred-thousand-year grade... I am afraid that would consume far too much natural spiritual energy from the Spirit Ascension Platform's environment, causing a massive loss."

"Hahaha! What are you worrying about, Xiao Yuan?!" Han Tianyi almost threw his head back and laughed heartily, stroking his silver beard with overflowing pride.

"The value of an External Spirit Bone—no, an Alter Spirit Bone—already outshines standard Spirit Bones, not just because it can grow alongside its host, but because it doesn't occupy any of the primary slots!"

"That is correct," Xing Lan added with an amused smile. "Even if an Alter Spirit Bone caps out at 99,999 years old, it is still superior to standard spirit bones."

"Even precious Spirit Bones, such as the chest and heads, can't compare to its flexibility."

Han Tianyi stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with affection for this good grandson of his. "Besides, even if the 99,999 years old comes to be, your grandfather will always find a way to break that limit for you."

"The Spirit Pagoda cannot stop me, nor can the Federation!"

"My grandson deserves nothing less than the absolute best in this world!"

Han Yuan blinked in surprise, deeply touched by Han Tianyi's domineering claim. Yet, a subtle pang of guilt tugged at his heart, a quiet reminder that the original child who bore the same name had passed away long ago at the hands of Evil Spirit Masters.

'I've been struggling with whether I should ever tell him...' Han Yuan sighed inwardly, his gaze wavering slightly.

'Is it better to leave him in blissful ignorance, or...'

'Han Yuan, kid... if you were still here, what would your choice be?'

For a brief, split second, Han Yuan caught a glimpse of a faint, translucent phantom standing beside the still laughing Han Tianyi. The shadow was small, barely reaching the older man's waist, and offered him a warm, bright smile before dissolving into light.

Whether that phantom was a lingering memory or a manifestation of the karmic thread binding him to this body, Han Yuan knew in his heart what his choice had to be.

He let out a soft, helpless laugh. 'Why am I even overthinking this?'

"I am... Han Yuan."

"Yes! Exactly right!" Han Tianyi caught his murmur and reached down to pat his head. "You are Han Yuan! My one and only grandson!"

"Hahaha!"

Han Yuan looked up, a genuine smile appearing on his face. "Mhm."

Han Tianyi finally stopped his laughter, though a broad, hopelessly smug grin remained plastered across his face. He rubbed Han Yuan's silver hair affectionately a few more times before clearing his throat. "Now then, onto the most important matter."

"Are you planning to turn those two 100,000-year-old Spirit Bones you acquired into Alter Spirit Bones for yourself now?"

"I am, but Grandpa... I only plan on absorbing one of them," Han Yuan replied calmly. "As for the second one, I want to give it to Sister Mu Xi."

"Eh?! M-Me?!" Mu Xi pointed a finger at herself, her jaw dropping in utter disbelief.

Everyone in the room stood frozen, stunned by Han Yuan's surprisingly nonchalant declaration.

However, both Han Tianyi and Xing Lan, who had watched the two grow up together over the past year, understood the situation immediately.

For the past year, Han Yuan and Mu Xi had been inseparable. Where he went, she followed, and where he rested, she stayed.

While they were like an affectionate brother and sister, anyone with eyes could see that their bond would inevitably grow into something far more intimate as they grew older.

To an outsider, giving away a 100,000-year-old Spirit Bone might seem like a foolish decision, but to Han Yuan? He was merely cherishing his beloved sister!

Han Yuan chuckled softly at Mu Xi's shocked reaction. "Didn't I promise to give you a special gift if you were a good girl?"

"You were upset last week because I hadn't given it to you yet, but the truth is... I had already reserved that 100,000-year-old bone for you from the very beginning."

"Waaaa! Xiao Yuan! You are... you really are the best!" Mu Xi immediately threw her arms around Han Yuan's neck, hugging him so tightly she nearly lifted him off the ground. "I love you so much!"

Ouyang Zixin watched the intimate embrace before glancing down at the right leg Spirit Bone Han Tianyi had gifted her earlier.

Although she was deeply grateful for her gift, a soft pang of envy touched her heart—not out of greed, but because she longed for a connection that was so pure, where priceless treasures were given away to bring a smile to someone's face.

She bit her pink lip lightly, letting out a quiet, internal sigh. 'Who am I to complain? Besides, Little Brother Yuan and I haven't known each other for that long...'

'Still... I really do envy her.'

'If only...'

Xu Xiaoyan, on the other hand, was far less restrained in showing her true emotions. Her cheeks flushed bright red, a tiny pout appearing on her lips as she stared at Mu Xi with intense jealousy. Compared to the older girl, she was still so small!

'Hmph! Just wait until I grow a bit older and bigger... I am definitely going to win Brother Yuan over first! Big Brother Yuan belongs to me, Xiaoyan!' Xu Xiaoyan vowed internally, cutely puffing out her cheeks and clenching her small fists.

Xing Lan noticed her young disciple's dramatic expressions and shook her head with a fond, helpless chuckle. 'Ah, to be young again...'

Before Xing Lan could tease her disciples, however, Han Yuan turned his attention toward the other two girls.

"Sister Zixin, Xiaoyan," Han Yuan offered a gentle smile. "While I don't have an additional 100,000-year-old Spirit Bone to give you right now, I can help you convert any Spirit Bone you possess into an Alter Spirit Bone."

"For instance, Sister Zixin... if you're willing, I can take that Ink Jade Life Leg Bone Grandpa just gave you and refine it into an Alter Spirit Bone."

"R-Really?!" Ouyang Zixin stammered, her breath hitching. She had never expected such an offer.

"Of course!" Han Yuan answered without hesitation. "Even though we haven't known each other for long, I already regard you as a senior sister... as part of my close family."

Family...

That single word struck Ouyang Zixin like a thunderbolt. Her face flushed crimson, turning red enough to look like a ripe tomato as her heart fluttered wildly.

Han Yuan then leaned down toward the blue-haired girl in the starry blue princess dress. "And for you, Xiaoyan..."

"I can take this Light-Chasing Pinky Bone, refine it through the Baptism of Stars, and imbue it with star energy. That way, it will perfectly match your Martial Soul and grant you a powerful offensive skill."

"Hehe! Thank you, Brother Yuan!" Xu Xiaoyan bounced on her tiptoes and pecked Han Yuan on the cheek before beaming proudly. "I knew Brother Yuan was the best!"

'Hmph, these two! Fine! But I am still the number one sister in his heart!' Mu Xi thought, feeling a tiny splash of jealousy, though she knew better than to act unreasonably. She quietly resolved to hold onto her position as his first at all costs.

"Hehehe!" Han Tianyi stroked his silver beard in utter delight, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

'As expected of my grandson! He knows exactly how to handle the girls around him! He possesses every bit of the charm I had in my youth!'

'Our Han Family is truly destined for greatness! Gurararara!'